Sutter impressed with Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been an impressive rookie sniper for the Edmonton Oilers, scoring his first NHL hat-trick in his third game.

But Calgary Flames head coach Brent Sutter — owner of the Red Deer Rebels WHL junior team Nugent-Hopkins would report to if sent down after nine games in the pros — says a lot could change over the course of the next five league games. Especially since the freshman phenom’s play has brought the spotlight on himself.

“Hoppy is a phenomenal player — Edmonton’s got time with him to make decisions,” Sutter said before his Flames take on Nugent-Hopkins and the Edmonton Oilers in the first Battle of Alberta regular-season game this campaign. “Each game is going to get tougher and tougher because of the recognition you put upon yourself because of the way you play — and he’s obviously played well.”

Meanwhile, the Flames’ most promising young prospect, Sven Baertschi, earned WHL player of the week honours after posting three goals, seven points and a plus-4 rating in two games with the Portland Winterhawks. The Swiss sniper has points in six of seven games since returning from Flames camp.

Nugent-Hopkins’ return to junior is looking less and less likely. If he sticks around, Sutter foresees an easy full-time transition.

“He’s a very level-headed young man. He handles everything really well — very grown, very mature for his age,” Sutter said of Nugent-Hopkins.

“I’m happy for him. He’s a good young man, he’s a great young man, and that’s what makes him unique, too.